Discover Sainte-Maxime

Sainte-Maxime combines twelve kilometres of coastline with public beaches, historic heritage and outdoor trails.

Beaches and water sports

Six public beaches offer a variety of stretches of coastline. Four are accessible to people with reduced mobility and are supervised during the summer season. Simplibus shuttles serve the public beaches, with parking nearby for each one. As transport details may change, check the current timetable before travelling.

At Plage de la Croisette, the Club Nautique de Sainte-Maxime offers lessons and training in various water sports. Plage de la Madrague has retained its natural character, with a series of coves suitable for walking and snorkelling. Scuba diving is possible at Pointe des Sardinaux, at depths of 0 to 40 metres. The site can only be reached on foot via the Corniche and is part of the coastal path. Check the conditions on the path in advance, as they may change.

Heritage in the town

Tour Carrée was built as a coastal tower to protect Sainte-Maxime; construction began in 1520. Guided visits to the tower can be booked. Availability depends on the published programme, which you can check before planning a visit.

The church also tells a story of several building phases: it was built in 1762 and extended in 1851. It acquired its final appearance in 1938, after the presbytery was demolished. To connect different local heritage sites on foot, follow the architecture and heritage trail. It includes 26 stops and is designed to take about one hour and 30 minutes to walk.

Near Plage de la Nartelle, a Sherman tank stands at the Débarquement roundabout. It recalls Sainte-Maxime’s wartime history and a freedom won at great cost.

Gardens and outdoor trails

More than 60 species of Mediterranean plants grow in the Jardin Botanique des Myrtes; some are over a hundred years old. The garden also has a children’s play area and a Braille educational trail for visitors with visual impairments. The diversity of plants, the play area and the educational trail each offer a different way to experience the garden.

The Sentier du Deffend runs through the hills above Sainte-Maxime. From there, the 360-degree view takes in the Esterel Massif, the Massif des Maures and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The coastal path and this trail offer different perspectives: the coast on one, and views of the three named landscapes on the other.

Market, wine and local experiences

The covered market in the town centre is open year-round. There you will find local specialities and produce from local growers. On a wine-growing excursion at Domaine des Beaucas, the route follows small paths through the rows of vines; the visit ends with a tasting of the estate’s wines.

The Mimosa Parade is a colourful spectacle featuring twelve floats, representing the twelve months of the year. It showcases mimosa and the vitality of the town. The range of activities gives you practical ideas for planning your trip: a visit to the market, a wine tasting, a walk by the water or a visit focused on the town’s history.

Discover more destinations: Solliès-Pont, Boulouris-Sur-Mer, Hyères, Ampus, Evenos, Draguignan, Puget-Sur-Argens, Les Bormettes.

For the broader travel overview: Var.